Pakistan targets TTP militants, eliminates 23 in two operations PHOTO

Pakistani security forces have killed 23 terrorists affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in two separate operations in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to Samaa.tv, citing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first operation targeted a group of terrorists in the area, resulting in an intense firefight that left 12 militants dead. The second operation, based on fresh intelligence about another group in the same region, led to the elimination of 11 additional terrorists. Reports indicate that both groups were involved in terrorist activities under alleged Indian patronage.

These operations form part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign, “Azm-i-Istehkam.”

Earlier, on November 15-16, Pakistani forces eliminated 15 terrorists in two separate intelligence-driven operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military confirmed. The targets included Indian-backed TTP militants, notably commanders of the Fitna-ul-Khawarij group.

The first of these earlier operations took place in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan District, following credible intelligence regarding the presence of Fitna-ul-Khawarij militants. Troops engaged the terrorists, killing ten, including the group’s primary leader, Alam Mehsud.

A separate operation in Datta Khel tehsil of North Waziristan District resulted in the neutralisation of five additional terrorists. Clearance operations are ongoing in both locations to eliminate any remaining threats.

The ISPR emphasised that these actions are part of a sustained counterterrorism drive under the National Action Plan, approved by the Federal Apex Committee, aimed at eradicating foreign-backed terrorism from Pakistan.

By Tamilla Hasanova